CRICKET: Weatherald gets maiden fifty as Australia race to 130-1

Australia made a strong start in their first innings on Friday as Jake Weatherald struck his maiden half-century, guiding the hosts to 130 for one at tea on day two of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. The reply came after England posted 334 in their opening innings.

Weatherald led the charge with an unbeaten 59 off 56 balls, while number three Marnus Labuschagne supported with 27 not out on a hot and humid afternoon in Brisbane.

Opening in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, Travis Head survived an early life when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped him on three off Jofra Archer. Head went on to score 33 off 43 balls before falling to a gentle wobble-seam delivery from Matthew Carse. His mistimed leading edge flew straight up, allowing Gus Atkinson to complete a simple catch at mid-on.

It was one of the few bright moments for England’s bowlers in an otherwise difficult session. Carse struggled for control, conceding 45 runs in just five overs. With Australia scoring freely, England captain Ben Stokes turned to the spin of Will Jacks late in the session, but the all-rounder gave up nine runs from his lone over.

Earlier in the day, England resumed on 325 for nine and managed to add only nine more runs. Archer, who made a valuable 38 in a 70-run stand with Joe Root, top-edged Brendan Doggett to deep backward square, where Labuschagne completed a superb diving catch to end the innings. Root remained unbeaten on 138, receiving a warm ovation as he left the field. -Ian Ransom in Melbourne/Reuters